Having been installed as the Provincial Grand Master only two days beforehand, Nicholas was delighted to preside at The Sir. Walter Raleigh Lodge No. 2958 on his first official outing.
He was accompanied by V.W. Bro. Peter Keaty, both Active Provincial Wardens W. Bros. Martyn Aldridge & David Wilson together with Grand Officers and many of the new active officers who gathered with Brethren of Sir Walter Raleigh and their guests making a total attendance of 63 brethren.
We were all there to witness the Proclamation of W. Bro. Peter Killips as The Worshipful Master for the ensuing year. Peter then appointed and invested his officers in a superb fashion before receiving the working tools of an Installed Master a piece of ritual seldom heard given by W. Bro. Peter Bannister and the First Degree Working Tools very ably done by Bro. Jac McConaghy, one of their newest members.
The festivities continued with a magnificent festive board enjoyed by everybody, and during his speech, which echoed the themes adopted from his speech at the PGL Meeting reflecting his vision “To build a better Masonic Future” and face up to the challenges of Freemasonry going forward, Declining Numbers, Struggling Lodges and our Buildings. Nicholas raised some smiles when stating that Sir Walter Raleigh was racing against the tide on all fronts and was example, an example to be followed.
A superb start to a new era.
W Bro Clive Eden PAGDC
Provincial Grand Communications Officer